Ludacris disc ‘Beer’ barrels to top spot

Elvis '2nd' is third on chart

Ludacris’ third Def Jam album, “Chicken & Beer,” was the top-selling album in the country for the week ended Sunday, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It is the first No. 1 for the Universal Music Group since the distrib announced it would reduce the list price to $12.98 on all frontline releases.

“Chicken & Beer” sold 429,000 copies, besting OutKast’s “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” (Arista), the No. 1 album the past two weeks, which slid to No. 2 on sales of 187,000. This week the two-CD set should pass the million-sold mark.

RCA’s latest Elvis Presley collection, “Elvis 2nd to None,” got all shook up at No. 3 with sales of 181,000 copies. Compilation includes Paul Oakenfold’s remix of “Rubberneckin,” a recent No. 1 single. Last year’s Presley compilation, “Elvis 1,” has sold about 9 million copies.

Most of last week’s top 10 debuts held their ground. Dido’s “Life for Rent” (Arista) is still at No. 4 despite a slide of more than 40% to 110,000 copies sold. Dave Matthews’ “Some Devil” (RCA), is one spot lower, selling 103,000 copies. Sting’s “Sacred Love” (A&M) slid to No. 6 (94,000 sold) and Da Band’s “Too Hot for T.V.” (Bad Boy) landed at No. 7 on sales of 83,000.

BMG dominates the top 10 as the distrib’s label occupies five slots, including second through fifth place. U is next with three of the top 10 discs.